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Auditions - Ceremonial Guard

Successful candidates that do not presently serve with a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) unit will be enlisted into the CAF Primary Reserve.

For Pipers and Drummers only: You must be a minimum Grade 3 competitive piper or drummer (or equivalent).

Procedure

Applying for a position in the Band of the Ceremonial Guard is a four-phase process that begins after the instrumental competition is announced by the Ceremonial Guard.

PHASE I – Audition Application

All candidates will submit an audition application to the Ceremonial Guard. The audition application must be submitted by e-mail or fax before the deadline announced on the form. The application must be accompanied by a musical résumé.

Candidates who have submitted an audition application before the deadline are invited to submit a video recorded audition. We will accept various methods of video delivery. If you prefer to mail us your video (on a DVD or USB stick), please send the video to the following address:

Band of the Ceremonial GuardC/O Director of Music6th Floor, CFHCC1745 Alta Vista DriveOttawa, ON K1A 0K2

As well, your video can be created using your own “YouTube” account, and a link to your video can be sent to cgbanddmus@gmail.com. All videos must be received by November 6th, 2016. You will receive a confirmation email indicating that we have received your recording. If you have not received this confirmation by November 9th, 2016, contact the Band office at 1-877-858-3205.

Please do not send general emails to the cgbanddmus@gmail.com account as this will not be monitored regularly. Any email inquiries regarding the audition process can be sent to cgband@forces.gc.ca.

The audition committee will create a merit list based on audition results. Candidates who do not meet the musical standard will be informed by email. Successful candidates will be invited for the next phase, the live audition process.

PHASE III – Live Audition

Each year the Ceremonial Guard auditions musicians from across Canada. Non-military candidates selected from the recorded auditions will be invited to audition in a city in the province where they reside. The audition schedule is published on this site in November.

During the 20 minute audition, candidates will perform two contrasting pieces of their choice, scales and sight reading. The audition will be followed by an interview.

The audition committee will create a merit list based on audition results. Candidates who do not meet the musical standard may be informed during any point of the audition process.

Brass and Reed Audition Schedule 2016-2017

Application deadline for all candidates: 31 October 2016

14 November 2016 – St John’s, NL

14 November 2016 – Wolfville, NS

15 November 2016 – Halifax, NS

16 November 2016 – Sackville, NB

17 November 2016 – Charlottetown, PEI

18 November 2016 – Montreal, QC

21-22 November 2016 – Toronto, ON

23 November 2016 – Kitchener, ON

24-25 November 2016 – London, ON

28 November 2016 – Vancouver, BC

29 November 2016 – Victoria, BC

30 November 2016 – Edmonton, AB

01 December 2016 – Saskatoon. SK

02 December 2016 – Winnipeg, MB

05 December 2016 – Ottawa, ON

This schedule is subject to change without notice.

Pipes and Drums Audition Schedule 2016-2017

Application deadline for all candidates: 31 October 2016

15 November 2016 – Halifax, NS

16 November 2016 – Sault St Marie, ON

23 November 2016 – Victoria, BC

24 November 2016 – Vancouver, BC

25 November 2016 – Calgary, AB

26 November 2016 – Winnipeg, MB

29 November 2016 – Windsor, ON

30 November 2016 – Cambridge, ON

01 December 2016 – Trenton, ON

02 December 2016 – Toronto, ON

05 December 2016 – Ottawa, ON

06 December 2016 – Montreal, QC

This schedule is subject to change without notice.

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PHASE IV – Final Selection

The final selection will be conducted by the Staff of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard based on two factors: the instrumental requirements of the Band of the Ceremonial Guard and the audition merit list. The audition results will be published on this site.

Civilian candidates who succeed at the live audition are sent to a local Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre for processing. Upon successful completion of all Recruiting Centre requirements, the candidate is then offered a firm commitment with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard.

Reservists who succeed at the live audition will be tasked to the Band of the Ceremonial Guard through their chain of command.

Questions should be addressed to the Band Sergeant-Major, Master Warrant Officer Michel Simard at 1-877-858-3205.